Me, myself, and I, flying to the moon and back. Well, not the moon, but definitely across an ocean or two to escape the humdrum of everyday life. Planning an adventure for yourself is much easier than involving besties, family, or partners. Once you step off the plane, you only have to pander to your own bucket list destination, budget, dates, and fanciful ideas for what you want to do. Sipping champers at the most luxurious hotel on the banks of the Red Sea may be your idea of bliss, while any prospective travel companion may be thinking along the lines of grungy bars next door to a two-star hotel in the backstreets of a big city. Solo travel can be the most rewarding experience—remember you can always pack your pooh-bear to keep you company, as there will be no one around to laugh at your sleeping companion.
The first time traveling alone will be the hardest. Once you have done it, though, you will wonder why you never put on your big girl/boy panties and zoomed off alone before.
Below are a few tips for those contemplating a solo adventure:
The length of your trip will be determined by your bank account and probably time off work if you can't work remotely. If you are a bit of a homebody who loves family celebrations and has FOMO inclinations, discount any important dates, such as family birthdays and significant events.
Research your destination ad nauseum and check out any travel advisory warnings from your government website. Prebook hotels after researching the area they are situated in either through their own website or on a reputable booking site. And always book a ‘double’ room if you want to avoid sleeping in a cupboard that some hotels consider to be a ‘single’ room. Check out the ease of getting transport and what type is available. The best option is arranging airport transfers through the hotel you plan to stay at, so you can avoid airport taxi touts of the unscrupulous kind.
Set yourself a goal of learning the language of where you will be. Even a few phrases will make the locals smile. Yes, there are language translation apps, but attempting to converse in a foreign language is always more fun.
General travel safety tips can be found everywhere on the internet—remember that when you travel alone, you don't have the backup of someone beside you. Buy that daybag that defies would-be thieves, don't wear your Patek Philippe watch or diamonds to advertise that you are a well-heeled foreigner worth mugging. And don't post about where you are and where you are staying on social media in real time. Always carry a copy of your passport with you and leave a copy of your itinerary with someone back home. And never forget to organize travel insurance before you hop on that plane.
Be aware of local customs and traditions, especially dress codes for religious buildings.
Also, read up on local laws, as you don't want to end up in prison for a crime you unwittingly committed, such as kissing your new bestie on the streets of Dubai.
Never look like you are lost—with smartphones and maps available, only the truly geographically challenged individual will end up in the opposite direction from where they want to go.
Don't overpack, as the only person playing pack-mule is yourself. Traveling as light as possible equates to less to lose along your adventure. Clambering up six flights of skinny stairs with a heavy bag or juggling a run-away bag attempting to exit a train is not an enjoyable experience. But, if you are totally indulging yourself and all of your travel is first class, this will not be an issue.
If you are finding it hard to entertain yourself without hanging out forlornly at the hotel bar sipping margaritas all day, look into what tours are available that will allow you to mingle for a while and see the sights or experience the local culture without having to navigate transport and entrance fees by yourself. Join a cooking lesson if available, or if you are into food in a big way but don't want to sweat over a kitchen stove, look into what foodie tours are available. If you are in a wine area, be adventurous and do any wine tours on offer. Spa time and yoga sessions are available at most hotels in tourist destinations. They will give you the opportunity to chat with someone else if you are starting to wonder what your voice sounds like. Joining a tour for a day is a great way to have some human interaction time, and then, when you have had enough, you can walk away.
If you are completely happy in your own little bubble, then chill out with a session of meditation. Curl up with a good book and lose yourself for hours of uninterrupted reading time. For some, this small activity can be a rarity in their daily home life. For the adventurous soul, meander city streets, popping into quaint cafes, museums, and art galleries when the inclination hits you. Learn how to love dining alone. You can eat when your hunger pangs strike, order whatever your heart desires, and take as long as you like, masticating that one mouthful of ecstasy that will linger on your tastebuds.
If you get homesick, call a friend or a family member and chat for a while. Alone time when traveling is to be relished, not to be scared of.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
